A Screwtape Letter.

Seventy-seven years ago, a man called Jack by his friends wrote a series of letters from the point of view of a senior devil to a junior one; intending it as a discussion on theology, from a somewhat different perspective. I thought I'd give my own letter a go, in regards to a current issue in Australia (and, indeed, in many other places, but coming to a head here). Make of it what you will.


My dear Wormwood,

I see that your patient has become quite intrigued by the debate over same-sex marriage. This is all well and good. Anything that can distract a man from feelings such as love or kindness towards those around him, and instead turn him towards argument or even hatred, should be encouraged.

You ask the question of which side you should turn your patient towards. Wormwood, I think you have failed to grasp something rather fundamental about the nature of all argument - we are on both sides. It does not so much matter which side will hurt the Enemy more - rather, it is the very nature of arguing, the idea of division rather than unification, of separation rather than joining, that we must emphasise. Any time that a man disagrees with his brother is a good time for us. And if he should come to believe that his brother is somehow less because of that belief - which, of course, from our patient's perspective, is foolishly mistaken - then all the better. Our job is not to pick the winning side; instead, we must prolong the argument for as long as possible!

As such, simply turn the patient further in whichever direction he is already turning. If he thinks that it should not be legalised, then let him be embittered against those base people with their wanton lusts, changing the very face of marriage and dirtying that which should be pure; and if he thinks that it should - why, then, have him cry outrage at the very idea of these people having their freedoms curtailed, and these neanderthals whose idea of marriage comes from a book that advocates slavery and the silence of women.

It may stagger you to learn this, Wormwood, but the strange truth is this; most humans know that argument provokes argument. And yet, once it has started, they find it very difficult to stop. And let me tell you, the flame is well and truly lit this time. So just sit back and enjoy the blaze! Our job has never been easier. For how can they have space to love the Enemy when they cannot love their brother?

Your affectionate uncle,
Screwtape.


If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves another brother or sister is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. But anyone who hates another brother or sister is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness. 1 John 2:9-11